The Weekender: February 17 to 21

Photo by iStock/DenisTangneyJr

Eat, shop, go

Even though the semester began mere weeks ago, the BU community is coming up on another well-deserved day off. Presidents Day is Monday, February 21, and classes are suspended. Use the extra time to immerse yourself in art performances and one-of-a-kind exhibitions.

Igloos at Article 24

A brisk breeze won’t interrupt your weekend plans when you’re wrapped up in the warmth of an igloo at Article 24. The heated dome tent is available for up to six people, and you can dine on menu selections like beef barbacoa tacos, street corn calamari, and kung pao brussels sprouts. For brunch enthusiasts, there is also a Saturday and Sunday menu with the ever-so-popular churro waffle topped with glazed apples, vanilla custard, and Golden Grahams cereal, and spiked apple cider. Relaxing and taking in the live music is completely free.

Article 24, 458 Western Ave., Brighton, is open daily. Check here for the varying hours and to make reservations, which are required for the igloos, and patrons must order food and drink while dining inside. Proof of vaccination is required.

The Sill Boston

Brightening up your space is as easy as buying a plant from The Sill. The nursery, which just recently opened its doors, has an impressive array of greenery and flora. Discover low-light-tolerant plants, as well as easy-care (perfect for new plant parents) and pet-friendly options. You can indulge in new additions to your space every month with the monthly subscription box they offer.

The Sill, 220 Newbury St., Boston, is open Monday to Thursday, noon to 6 pm, Friday to Saturday, 11 am to 7 pm, and Sunday, 11 am to 6 pm. 

Candlelight: A Tribute to Elton John

Nothing says celebrating the month of love like a candlelit tribute concert. For select dates through April, Boston’s most impressive architectural venues dim their lights and douse the room with candles galore during an intimate performance. This weekend, the Old South Church will host the tribute to iconic British rockstar Sir Elton John. Songs like “Bennie and the Jets” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” are slated to be performed by a solo pianist.  

Candlelight: A Tribute to Elton John has two performances on Friday, February 18, at 6:30 and 9 pm, at the Old South Church, 645 Boylston St., Boston. Tickets start at $30, and proof of vaccination is required to enter. No food or beverages are permitted in the venue.

Vertical Life Film Tour

The captivating world of climbing and mountaineering will be spotlighted during the second installment of the Vertical Life Film Tour. A collection of four films gives a glimpse into the incredible views, self-reflection, and risky adventures of those who frequent the mountains. The event is sponsored by the Wellbeing Project, a campus-wide initiative supporting the mental health of BU students. 

Vertical Life Film Tour is Friday, February 18, at 7 pm at FitRec, 915 Commonwealth Ave., Boston. The event is free and open to BU students, faculty, and staff. Students will need a green badge along with their student ID to enter.

Boston Modern Orchestra Project Tribute 25th Season Kickoff

The world-renowned Boston Modern Orchestra Project (BMOP) is celebrating its 25th anniversary season with a kickoff performance at Symphony Hall. The concert will feature Grammy Award–winning organist Paul Jacobs for two organ concertos (affectionately named Pulling Out All the Stops). This marks the first live event from BMOP since the pandemic began.

BMOP’s Pulling Out All the Stops is Friday, February 18, at 8 pm, at Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave., Boston. Admission is free. 

Breaking Bounds 2022

BU’s contemporary dance group Edge Dance Company is hosting their annual showcase at the Tsai Performance Center. Titled Breaking Bounds 2022, the night of movement will include elements of contemporary, lyrical, and jazz dance. Several local dance troupes will join the group on stage.

Breaking Bounds 2022 is Saturday, February 19, at 7 pm at the Tsai Performance Center, 685 Commonwealth Ave., Boston. The performance is free to students and $5 for the general public. 

First Children: Caroline and John Jr. in the Kennedy White House

Presidents Day weekend in Boston wouldn’t be complete without visiting the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. The exhibition First Children: Caroline and John Jr. in the Kennedy White House is inspired by the media’s fascination with the children of Camelot, despite First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy’s efforts to shield them. Many of the 120 pieces of memorabilia are on display for the first time ever, including public and private family footage, pieces from their White House bedrooms, various games and trading cards depicting Caroline and John, and more. 

First Children: Caroline and John Jr. in the Kennedy White House is on view at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Columbia Point, Boston, through January 2023. Timed tickets are required in advance and begin at $10 for youth ages 13 to 17, $12 for college students and seniors, and $18 for adults. Children under 12 are free. Vaccination proof and other COVID restrictions apply. Find more information here.